When we look up, we see blue skies and feel the sun on our faces. We see the bright new growth of green leaves on the trees. We see the birds soaring. We see smiles on the faces of people in passing. We see an extended hand offering to help us. We look up and see our city, and remember that we have a responsibility to direct others to look up and see the Son.
Psalm 121:1-2 - If I lift up my eyes to the hills, where shall I find help? Help comes only from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. (NEB)
Mark 8:25 - Then [Jesus] put His hands on [the blind man's] eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. (NKJV)
Mark 6:41a - And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them. (NKJV)
Looking up during Lent, we see a cross, the reminder of our Saviour's love for us and we give thanks!
Looking up on Easter morning, we see our resurrected Lord. We fall to our knees, bowing before our risen Saviour; we worship our Father, Creator of heaven and earth; we seek the power and filling of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 21:27-28 - Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. (NKJV)
Prayer: Holy Father in heaven, may we always keep our focus on You and the daily missions to which You call us. May we constantly look up and see through Your eyes the physical and spiritual needs around us. Under Your leadership, may we respond to those needs and encourage others to look up and see Your glory! Amen.
by Harriette Davis
Daily Smile:
While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
‘Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you. ‘No problem, just let me in,' says the man.
‘Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity. ‘Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the senator.
‘I’m sorry, but we have our rules. ‘And with that, St.Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.
The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator raises...The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.
‘Now it's time to visit heaven. ‘So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
‘Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity. ‘The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.
‘So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't understand,' stammers the senator. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.
What happened?
‘The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning.... Today you voted.'
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